Transportation Tax Kicks In Jan.1

Associated Press

Updated: 2 years ago.

State officials estimate the tax will generate $152 million in its first year and $1.8 billion over 10 years to widen highways, install new traffic lights and repair aging bridges. (Photo courtesy: Don Bergquist)

The extra penny-per-dollar tax for transportation projects was rejected by voters in most of the state last July. But three of the 12 regions that approved it will be paying the new tax starting New Year's Day.

State officials estimate the tax will generate $152 million in its first year and $1.8 billion over 10 years to widen highways, install new traffic lights and repair aging bridges.

The money will go to 13 east Georgia counties including the city of Augusta, and a 16-county region in west Georgia that includes Columbus and Americus. The third region covers 17 southeast Georgia counties that include the cities of Dublin, Vidalia and Jesup.